GET TO WORK ON A SUCCESSFUL RETURN
Whether you’ve been out of work for maternity leave, travelling or a career break, we have some top tips to make sure you’re ready to go back
Whether you’ve been out on emrnaitty leave, tarvelling or taking a ecearr berak, the otp tips ofr getting backo tthe offiec
Let’s be honest, going back to work after a hiatus is never easy. Maybe you have taken extended maternity leave, perhaps you are in the midst of a career break or were adventurous enough to be able to take a few years off to travel. There are many reasons for taking a break from the world of work and, for many of us, there are just as many compelling reasons for returning.
Michelle Hand, senior consultant at Matrix Recruitment says that some women find going back to work a daunting prospect, particularly if they have been out of the workplace for more than a year.
‘A year is a long time in today’s fast-paced world where things are changing almost on a daily basis,’ she explains. ‘Unfortunately, you can’t assume that you can pick up from where you left off. If you’re returning to the same company, there may be new people, new policies, different ways of doing things or even a new boss who you have never met. And, if you are taking on a brand new job or considering a complete change of career, well that’s another matter entirely.’
But according to Michelle, there are lots of practical steps that you can take to help with the transition and she speaks from experience having returned to work last year having had her first child.
‘I was fortunate in that I have a great employer and was ready to return to work,’ she admits. ‘Not everyone is in this position and we work closely with women – and men – who are looking to return to the workplace but feel they are either out of touch, or cannot face the prospect of being rejected by potential employers because of “younger and hungrier” candidates.’
Unsurprisingly, feeling like this is natural for many candidates returning to work, especially when they’ve been absent for an extended period of time. They can be plagued with uncertainty and low confidence, but it shouldn’t act as a deterrent, says Michelle.
To make the transition back into the working world a smooth one, she has some useful tips that will go a long way:
PREPARE AN EXCELLENT CV
Having a really strong CV should be
everyone’s starting point, but you’d be surprised by the number of poor CVs, mistakes and embellishments recruiters see each week.
First impressions count and your CV is usually your first chance to make a good impression.
Update your CV and spend time getting it right; it should be no longer than two pages and should be tailored for the job that you are chasing.
Ask someone else to check it for typos. A CV that is peppered with mistakes won’t get you past the first post.
Don’t be shy and don’t lie. This is your chance to really sell yourself, your skills, your experience and why you are right for the job. It’s not an opportunity to fabricate stories about your love of skiing or your interest in the arts. Stick to the facts.
NETWORKING ONLINE
Keep your online professional profiles up to date and if you’re not already on LinkedIn, sign up and re- connect with former colleagues, friends in business and other business partners.
If you have no idea what the above tip is all about – seek advice from the nearest teenager!
Check out articles and blogs relevant to the industry in which you are interested. It won’t take long before you are up to speed again and a little knowledge goes a long way.
If you are planning to return to the same company, keep abreast of personnel or business
changes through work colleagues, media articles and via the website.
FAIL TO PREPARE AND PREPARE TO FAIL
When was the last time you interviewed for a job? Chances are it was a long time ago and you cannot expect to just turn up on the day and perform to your best without a good dollop of preparation.
Read up on the company and consider all of the reasons why you are right for the position.
Think about all the questions they might ask of you and make sure you practice the answers to them, over and over.
Don’t worry if you are nervous, this is very natural but the more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel and the less nervous you will appear.
Sit down with a recruitment consultant who can provide one-to- one tips on the interview process and help you prepare.
THINK ABOUT TEMPING
If you are not sure that the time is right for you to return to work or you’re not sure you want to commit to full-time employment, temping is a great option.
Most recruitment firms can assist you in finding temporary work and you can take your time seeing what suits you and what you like, before making the final commitment.
It’s also a great way to bring yourself up to speed on different workplaces and spaces.
BE HONEST – WITH YOURSELF
You may need to face up to the fact that your skills are no longer relevant to the jobs that you really want. But that doesn’t mean the employment door is closed.
Taking a step back on the career ladder might be all that’s needed to allow you to settle back in and gain confidence at a pace that suits you.
Speak to a recruitment agency that can provide you with an honest assessment. You may find that it doesn’t take much to update your skills and bolster your capabilities, allowing you to pursue that dream job with confidence.
FINALLY, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
Just because you’ve been out of the workforce for an extended period, it doesn’t mean that you should undervalue your achievements, skills and capabilities.
Believe in yourself and know exactly what it is that you can bring to the workplace that someone else can’t.
Finally, Michelle says that patience is a virtue that is well and truly tested when returning to the workplace.
‘If you haven’t worked in two years, it’s going to take time to settle in, settle down and get back into a new routine,’ she says. ‘ That’s ok and, rather than stressing about it, accept the situation for what it is and look forward to what’s ahead. You might just enjoy it.’
FOR people looking to make a leap back into the workplace, but aren’t sure where to start, then begin with a good recruitment agency such as Matrix Recruitment. With offices in Dublin, Waterford, Carlow, Athlone and Galway, Matrix Recruitment specialises in a number of job categories including accountancy, financial services, HR and sales & marketing. For one- to- one advice and more information about finding a job, visit matrixrecruitment.ie